Say goodbye to Leo. The hybrid defensive end/linebacker is a thing of the past in College Park-- the new defense under coordinator Don Brown will be more of a traditional four-three. The new D will also be more aggressive off the snap instead of reading and reacting as has been the case in the past.
The line forms where? Gone are Jeremy Navarre and Trey Covington...senior Travis Ivey's expected to anchor this year's unit from the tackle position. Seniors Jarred Harrell and Deege Galt will be pushed by talented underclassmen (2 sophomores, 4 redshirt freshmen and 2 true frosh) that boast potential but not experience. Alex Wujciak leads the linebacking corps after manning the middle last year--leading the team with 133 tackles.
Secondary Seniority... the defensive backfield is a completely different situation with four seniors in starting roles--and 30 starts returning from 2008. Safety Jamari McCullough was a one man wrecking crew in 2008-- the only player to tally an interception (his four led the team), a fumble recovery and a sack. Cornerback Anthony Wiseman (13 starts and a team-high ten passes broken up in '08) gives the Terps a shutdown corner.
Special Situations--good news and bad news for the kicking game...Maryland returns punter Travis Balz (41.1 yards per kick in 2008)--the junior's touted as an All-American possibility and first team All-ACC. Kicker Obi Egekeze graduated... but the Terps will take their chances this year's specialist won't miss 9 of 24 field goal attempts this fall.
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